YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:15:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1560173 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 22:22:16 +0000 unfrumped 1560173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, I'd like to head mord on your color& vibe approach. That mah be where I should be, of an and am not capitalizing on it. I have a few tops that are so versatile they go with everything. Still the same top , though, not some chameleon thing. And then recently eith outfit creations I sm realizing it's okay if I have pants with one top if the result is really good. But no point to try to makd them go with something else and be meh. I'm not talking about new purchases, which I'm trying to demand more of, but about what's existing that fits and works for style. I was about to toss a top that makes one or 2 good looks, only with black pants or skirt, but is "forgiving", which is what I need right now! So that "buys" me a couple of outfits and less pressure to find something else right now. Vix on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1560073 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 16:55:41 +0000 Vix 1560073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi UF -- Lots of good thoughts above. Not sure what's below will be as useful, but putting it out there! Backstory -- lots of body shifts for me the last year. Some favs were no-gos (packed away for re-eval at 6 month and 1 year point). Had to add new pieces to accommodate shift (some liked, some loved, some tolerated), and basically had a capsule. Some older pieces now fit. So now here I am with need to re-eval everything as a whole in light of fall trends, seasonal mood etc. I'm going to echo the suggestion to put together as many looks as you can that score 6+ on a scale of 10. Don't limit yourself to some arbitrary number of items -- just play. Here on YLF we have some SUPER-creative dressers. X with F, Q, R, T -- all really different looks. I've realized I do better putting my creative efforts into color/vibe vs versatility -- I'm a uniform dresser with some random flings. My workhorses are flexible, but rarely will one say, "I can't believe that's the same [whatever]"! .02.... Elizabeth P on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1560026 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:59:12 +0000 Elizabeth P 1560026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Some real wisdom and gems of tips on this thread! I esp love (for me) Caro's idea of making 5-10 outfits you love, and creating capsules around those.  If these outfits were different silhouettes, and consisted of several tops/bottoms that mixed and matched within the silhouette, you could really see what items in your closet are true orphans.  Beth Ann on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1560014 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:12:59 +0000 Beth Ann 1560014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've had great assistance, UF!  Wanted to pop on the thread for a bit of encouragement, and to say that I have found it helpful, since my move, to change my closet management in the following ways. 1.  I Keep a generous holding zone, but limit its size.  Without a guest closet, 2 bins on the top shelf of my closet serve well.  I only keep items I really love, and will purge "pristine, practical, but meh" items.  If I want to add to the boxes, I have to donate something! 2.  I use a "front to back" procedure.  It used to be more seasonal in nature:  simply moving coats and sweaters to the back when the weather warms, etc.  Now, I'm more strategic -- creating large capsules and mini-wardrobes in the prime locations in the closet, and rotating them more frequently --- every six weeks or so.  Now, I have "Transitional Capsule" in front.  It would look odd to many people, because it highlights those summer favorites I want to wear a couple more times before I bid warm weather "adieu."  It also contains lightweight clothing in more autumnal colors, and a few transitional cardis, jackets, and lightweight booties.  This is my first year in this closet, but I'm finding myself moving some of the summer favorites to the back at the end of each week.  Some new purchases haven taken their place.  Later, I will create a cool autumn capsule, then Holiday, followed by deep winter, cool spring, etc..... unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1560013 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:01:44 +0000 unfrumped 1560013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also when Twice shut down, I lost one mechanism that made it easier to let go of things. They were taking clothes, shoes and bags and accepted nearly everything I ever sent, being not so much designer but their mid- level brands. More psychological than the actual $$ benefit, of course. unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559895 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 03:11:29 +0000 unfrumped 1559895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sounds good! And somewhere in here is whatever is my issue with one-in/ one-out. I am starting to realize what's at the root of that and I think that will be the puzzle. Suz on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559873 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 02:13:34 +0000 Suz 1559873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That makes sense to me. It was not really out of sight/ out of mind and it would distract you. If you have 10 or 20 really great outfits (or whatever number you choose -- the number of outfits almost doesn't matter as long as it is a number you'd reasonably wear within a month, I think) and you leave those in your main closet and box up everything else except whatever you might need for special occasion wear -- well, then you have an idea of how a more compact wardrobe might work for you.  If and when it starts to feel really restrictive, you can ask yourself if there is anything in those boxes that would make it feel easier to get dressed. If the answer it yes, you can go and get it and add it to your core wardrobe. If the answer is no but you are still having trouble making your outfits and you feel like you need something specific, maybe you can buy it.  unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559868 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 02:07:20 +0000 unfrumped 1559868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I am a bit of a teaser, I'm sorry,  I did not take any offense whatsoever and I would never want you to have a moment's concern! I love all your comments . Of course I am a relative hoarder just based on what I've stated as my dilemma! What I'm psyched up about is the dual strategy of being more ruthless in culling--I can "see" some of those items better after my 2 weeks of wardrobe creation-- and in doing my whole holding zone differently, where if I just can't seem to "let go" but it's  not part of a major style goal or anything (as perhaps an item that is just a smidge not fitting but is something I would buy again today)  , I just have paralysis, I think I will use an opaque container! I have kind of confused the "boutique" concept with the "meh" zone, I think and that has cause things to kind of go nowhere. Suz on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559862 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:55:25 +0000 Suz 1559862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha, Jenn, I like that. Then there are the multipliers and dividers....or the chronically math challenged writers. (That would be me.)  Unfrumped, I didn't mean to say you are a hoarder. I am so sorry if I hurt your feelings!! I absolutely didn't mean to (although Dr. Suz was giving tough love, for sure.)   Anyway, it was a hypothetical. But you do admit you have "must hang onto it" tendencies.  And I think each of us sometimes needs to question our fallback attitudes. Whether our inner demons tell us, "Psssst....Get rid of that almost new pair of jeans that you've only worn twice right this second so the next best thing can enter the closet!" or "Don't toss that circa 1995 threadbare shirt....What if you never find a great black blouse agaaaaaaain????"—  we need to play the opposite game once in a while.  I started YLF with a really small wardrobe due to weight loss and budget and also a bit of -- let's face it -- perfectionism. I needed to buy like crazy for a while (something I had never, ever done in my entire life) just to know what it might feel like to have a larger wardrobe. I needed to make mistakes. Mess up. Create outfits that felt awful. (Not on purpose but due to experimentation.) I needed a certain wardrobe density to do those things. Otherwise it was like going into a kitchen and trying to make something different every night from the same 8 ingredients. You  just can't do it.   Now I'm in a paring it back slightly stage. Sort of what Jenn was talking about in her writing. I need to let go of a few things, shift them around, put emphasis in places I'd neglected.  An overstocked pantry is just as limiting as an understocked one. Stuff goes stale and mouldy, you can't find what you are looking for, and some of it is in questionable taste!  :) I do think, for you, a "holding zone" in another room, packed in bins would be a good strategy. Only go in there if you must to create  good outfit.  unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559855 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:43:11 +0000 unfrumped 1559855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hearing all this good advice, I am wondering if we are talking methods among the madness. For example, I have not "packed away"--I have spare closet space so I keep the "holding zone" items hanging. That means they're handy, but also they're there, not exactly staring at me every day,but every time I go there--since I also keep  items I consider simply out-of-season, such as wool sweaters in moth-proof bins. So they still qualify as "active wardrobe " items, as it were. I'm feeling kind of energized to both completely toss some more items but also to do more of a fold/pack approach for   items that are not in my "best" outfits, as suggested. More fully out of sight/mind. Jenn on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559853 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:34:27 +0000 Jenn 1559853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To build on Suz's writer metaphor, I attended a workshop this summer where the two types of writers she describes were called "adders" and subtracters."  I like this because it emphasizes solutions rather than flaws. Adders start with a small, tight base and have to build from there to have an ideal completed product. Subtracters start with a large amount of material and have to cut the fluff to reach their ideal. Ironically, adding a lot of things to start with is what makes you a subtracter.  :) I'm an exploratory writer (sort of the opposite of my closet persona), so I often have to cut full chapters, write out characters, and delete entire settings. It hurts, but I never cut out anything without saving it to a separate file first, just in case. That's a long way of saying, I think you need to get some rubbermaid bins, pare brutally, and see what's working for you right now. Have you ever tried a capsule wardrobe? Maybe that would be a good October challenge! Anonymous on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559851 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:32:42 +0000 Anonymous 1559851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many wise ideas here. I like Suz's prescription and Caro's plan . In a year ( or maybe less) you will have a better idea of what is happening with your style evolution. You may have no joy at seeing the old pieces again and not even want to wear them. Or fine some that you have missed and welcome back. You will also have a better handle on how you might best edit. Aida on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559845 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:20:04 +0000 Aida 1559845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped, the description in the final paragraph of your reply above says to me that this is an editing opportunity. I agree with Suz about holding onto a handful of special pieces that you still love, but maybe can't make work right now, and pack the rest up. See how you function and how you feel about the options you've left yourself. I have always been on Team Large Wardrobe and earlier this year pared down with MUCH stress about how I would feel afterwards. I was able to function just as well, if not better, than before. And I am now considering paring down further. unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559843 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 01:11:59 +0000 unfrumped 1559843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Caro and Dr. Suz! I know that only I can figure this out, eventually, and yet I so appreciate your taking time to offer viewpoints. I do like the idea of, if approach X is not working, try Y. It's funny and quite helpful to think of it that simply,  because it kind of mirrors all generic "change vs. opportunity" concepts: it might fail, and then you know you tried something and learned something about that, or it might work great. And you'll never know. I don't think I'm quite a hoarder, but maybe that's just semantics and sensitivity!  It is very much the concept that's been described, of liking of  the things in theory and even in isolation, but can't get them to work, so I've tended to think it's just my lack of outfit-creation skills, when instead it might be "telling me something".  So, what brought this more to a head is, just as Caro said, I started making "outfits for the week" of just the things I felt really good in, and discovered that was leaving out a number of things, and also was showing a kind of style theme. Caro in Oz on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559831 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:55:37 +0000 Caro in Oz 1559831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I were you I'd be making between 5 to 10 outfits I REALLY love. Once I had what felt like "enough" I'd make capsules from those outfits. I'd pack up everything else & store it somewhere to see if I really missed it. Actually I'd probably put aside things I love but that don't currently work with anything & donate the rest but if that feels too hard then the first option cuts you some slack :) Suz on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559829 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:51:29 +0000 Suz 1559829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are two kinds of writer. (Actually, there are more kinds of writer than this, but let's paint in broad brushstrokes for the sake of argument.)  Those who write fluently, prolifically,  logorrhorifically. And cannot edit themselves to save their soul.  And those who write painstakingly slowly, and edit themselves assiduously, and end up with little to show for it.  Both types of writer would benefit from borrowing the gifts (or even faults) of the other.  The same is true for closet maintenance. If you are a hoarder by nature, fight yourself and let stuff go. It is confusing you! You are going crazy with it. Make 12 or 15 or 20 work outfits for this season that you truly love and get rid of the rest. Do the same for casual wear. Figure out how many outfits you need and get rid of anything that doesn't make you feel 100% fantastic now. And then stop shopping for a while. Just wear what you have.  On the other hand, if a person is a purger by nature, maybe it is a good idea for her to purposively hold on to the items she already has; maybe she should simply try to wear those items. And if her closet is too limited by her restless editing and searching for the "one perfect item" then maybe she should live with imperfect for a while before going out shopping again.  For one year "try on" the personality of your opposite. See what happens.  That is Dr. Suz's prescription.  ;)  unfrumped on "Style shift, fit shift: editing opportunity or nightmare of regret ?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-shift-fit-shift-editing-opportunity-or-nightmare-of-regret#post-1559812 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:26:28 +0000 unfrumped 1559812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Feeling the seasonal change and need for “fall cleaning” and am having a combination of style shift, umm, body shift, wardrobe creepand possibly overall whinging attack . Such a first- world problem! So this is partly one of those long "therapeutic" posts. It probably seems almost word for word what has come up before. Some of this hinges on tucking vs untucking. For various reasons I’ve felt I had to go more untucked except with some of my pleated items (culottes and some pants).   Not-tucking is  a challenge because I don't do skinny pants or leggings, so have to be very careful with proportions, drape, length, boxiness,   and if not careful I veer into a more casual or sloppy look than I want ( re: work—there are a lot more untucked options and forgiveness for casual).I want to not wear these more casual outfits as a general rule. And let’s talk shirttail hems!  I love them because they are my friend in terms of balancing things out, but only look work-worthy in certain iterations. Not button fronts, with exception of some popovers. And some sweaters look too casual. Or some are too long. I'm loving this new AT top in the blue mosaic print because   it  looks amazingly good untucked (with cami for the V, of course). I almost did not try it because I knew I’d have to cami-it and also thought it might be “too blue”. But it goes with everything and looks more polished.  So, I find I’m down to   fewer combinations toget a polished look. Then there are the pants. Again, a few of my older pairs still work, and ha, especially with some of the newer tops.  and I’ve put a lot of items in the holding zone because I’ve not been a mega-purger and usually tell myself not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, things may look different, different combinations may arise (you know how you find new bottoms, say and wish you had X top, or vice versa.) I also have some more recent tops and pants that I just love and could practically wear with everything, they are that much in my “comfort zone” now and also look more polished than some other items. And a few items so far from last year that are in the same vein. Have not yet pulled out all the winter sweaters, but have an idea of what I'll be looking for in what works. So I’m just perplexed about some of the items, especially tops,that are good colors or good prints and should work if I could reprise the bottoms or skirts I thought I would wear them with, but I can’t wear them now to save my soul. These are the types of things I tend to save,and to do that I have to fill up the spare closet. Pencil skirts are a little different, because though it’s a fit issue, it’s also that I’m not likely to just size up, I will either not wear that style if I don’t feel comfortable again or I will wear ones that can work with longer tops. But  I wonder if I should be more like those more aggressive wardrobe-editors and say, for some reason this is what I’m wearing now and I’ve just moved on completely, or perhaps  because of a combination of reasons that even I can’t fully pinpoint, and the other items are now irrelevant? And will that actually help clarify things rather than be regretful? Or will I be tossing out the baby?